Jake Agna Award

Back on August 2, Frank Willis was presented with the Jake Agna Award.

His mentor, Mark Johnson, gave the follwing speech. Needless to say, there were definitely some misty eyes in the crowd! Congratulations, Frank.

"My name is Mark Johnson, I have been paired with Frank Willis in the Jr\Sr Buddy mentor program for the past 5 years, and I was asked to say a few words. 

The Jake Agna Award is presented annually to a King Street Center youth who exhibits a high level of leadership, engagement, curiosity, humor, teamwork and respect for self and others.

I have to admit, when I read about the Jake Agna award, I pictured someone who “never gets out of line”, is always on the honor roll, is “really easy to deal with”.  And there are young men and women who fit this mold………….and then there is Frank Willis.

When I first met Frank in 6^th grade, I noticed some things right away…. his energy, his openness to trying new things, a variety of interests, and the ability to tell a good story.  His grades were not great in Middle school, he did not participate in many organized activities, and he sometimes annoyed people… on purpose (yes, even King Street staff).  Over the first year we knew each other, I began to notice other things…. When he did sit down to do homework, he didn’t rush or scribble…he did a neat, complete job… and sometimes it got handed in.  When he attended an activity (like the King Street Science Thursdays program), he absorbed information quickly, he was smart, he “got it”.  Around the house, he was quick to pitch in and help…he enjoyed life’s adventures and showed it.   

Frank has a support system: a caring mother, his aunt and uncle in Rutland, the people here at King Street, his church community, teachers and his friends including me. But – even with a support system, it is easy for young people to make bad choices: in school, at home, around town.  It is easy to make a mistake, then compound that mistake, to get derailed…to stop trying.

Frank has consistently made good choices, and has taken advantage of the opportunities he has been given.  When he does make mistakes (as we all do), he comes back the next day with a positive attitude. His behavior has opened doors….he began as a Burton Chill participant, Jim Young negotiated an extra year for him in the program, and Frank was eventually chosen by Burton Snowboards to represent Burlington at a Chill summer camp in Oregon. Frank works harder in school then he once did…he was named outstanding freshman at BHS in Social Studies.   He has worked for years at the lemonade stand, and is now assistant manager…and with Jake’s years of instruction and encouragement, Frank joined the BHS tennis team.  People help Frank along the way, but he moves things forward, he does his homework, he practices his tennis, he stays on track.

If I am making Frank sound like a perfect, boring, nose-to-the-grindstone, goody-goody, then I am painting a poor likeness.   Some of the criteria in the Agna award….engagement, curiosity, humor……are definite strong suits.  Frank will at laugh at you, and at himself. Frank is generous….if he has $20 in his pocket, he will share it with you…immediately, and till it is gone.  Frank is a perceptive and loyal friend, and he has a diverse set of friends. You could be Frank’s friend….it is easy, and fun.

So, when I REREAD the criteria for the reward, I realized that Frank is an excellent choice…he is a leader and role model.  Thank you King Street for recognizing Frank’s achievements.